A talented graphic designer from the University of Lincoln has been named Student of the Year at the international Design & Art Direction (D&AD) Student Awards.

The prestigious D&AD Awards are recognised around the world as setting the absolute reference standard for international creative excellence, and Christopher Algar received the principal accolade at this year’s glittering awards ceremony, held at Christ Church of Spitalfields in London.

Christopher, who recently completed his BA (Hons) Graphic Design degree at the University of Lincoln, was named D&AD Student of the Year after winning his category to design an eye-catching hoarding for the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum’s new Exhibition Road redevelopment in London.

His designs for the hoardings, which will shield the redevelopment of the V&A until it opens to the public in 2016, aim to inspire and inform the public about the works, the museum and the history of the capital’s cultural quarter.

Christopher’s ‘The Ribbon of V&A’ designs, which present a developing timeline of iconic imagery from the museum’s displays and exhibitions, beat off competition from hundreds of students across the UK, and as far afield as Australia, Spain and South Africa.

Speaking after winning his award, Christopher said: “I am delighted to be named the D&AD Student of the Year, as it is the ultimate award in the design industry. It is an honour to receive a D&AD Yellow Pencil, which is something all creative students work towards, so to have my work recognised and praised by industry professionals is the perfect way to celebrate completing my Graphic Design degree.

“With my design, I felt it was important to incorporate elements from the museums wide variety of subjects that are constantly on display - the hoarding is then not only something of a visual nature, but also informative. The images work in harmony with the ribbon which creates a nice free flowing image that directly relates to the V&A’s approach to its exhibition spaces.”

The annual D&AD Awards have been responsible for launching the careers of some of the creative industries’ most successful designers. They encourage students to respond to live briefs for some of the world’s biggest brands, which this year included Nissan, Ted Baker, Unilever and the BBC. The awards are judged by over 100 leading industry experts and representatives from each of the partner organisations.

Alongside his coveted title and D&AD Yellow Pencil Award, Christopher also received a £2,000 cash prize, an exclusive place in the D&AD Annual 2013 and an invitation to the prestigious D&AD Graduate Academy.

Philippa Wood, Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design at the University of Lincoln, said: “Here at the Lincoln School of Art and Design we are immensely proud of Christopher’s achievement. The D&AD Student Awards represent one of the most respected design competitions in the world, and for Christopher to receive the Student of the Year accolade is testament to his hard work, skill and creativity.

“The awards recognise the future of the creative industries, and it is wonderful to know that the wealth of talent we have here at Lincoln is being acknowledged on an international stage. We wish Christopher and all of our students continued success as they embark on their future careers.”

Dr Alec Shepley, Head of the School of Art and Design at the University of Lincoln, added: “This is absolutely the best news that a student can get, and it very much reflects our approach. Here at the School of Art and Design, it is all about the students and the integral part they play as producers to the life and vibrancy of the School and its studio environment.”

Christopher, who is also one of six University of Lincoln students to reach the semi-finals of the Adobe Design Achievement Awards, already has his own photography and graphic design company.

For more information and to view Christopher’s designs, visit: www.christopheralgar.com.